Recently, the forest department officially recorded sightings of two Wild Dogs (Dholes) in Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary. This marks an important event for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
Location: Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh, connected through the Ratapani Tiger Reserve corridors. This strategic location enhances its ecological significance.
Vegetation: The sanctuary's habitat primarily consists of dry deciduous forests, providing a unique environment for various wildlife species.
Fauna: The sanctuary is home to diverse wildlife, including jackals, palm civets, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, nilgai, and numerous bird species.
Flora: The rich vegetation includes teak, tendu, bamboo, kusum, kanak champa, ber, karanj, kaim, and kadamb, contributing to the sanctuary's biodiversity.
Species Overview: The Dhole is a wild canid species known for its carnivorous diet. It is commonly referred to by various names, including Indian wild dog, whistling dog, red wolf, red dog, and mountain wolf.
Habitat: Dholes typically inhabit dense jungles, steppes, mountains, scrub forests, and pine forests, showcasing their adaptability to different environments.
Dholes are found across Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Asia. In India, the Western and Eastern Ghats serve as significant strongholds for this species, highlighting the importance of these regions for their conservation.
IUCN Red List: The Dhole is classified as Endangered, indicating a significant risk of extinction in the wild.
CITES: It is listed under Appendix II, regulating international trade to ensure its survival.
Wildlife Protection Act 1972: The Dhole is included in Schedule II, emphasizing the need for legal protection and conservation efforts.
Q1. What is the significance of the recent wild dog sightings in Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary?
Answer: The sightings of Dholes in Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary highlight the sanctuary's ecological health and the effectiveness of ongoing conservation efforts in Madhya Pradesh.
Q2. What types of vegetation are found in Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary?
Answer: Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary features dry deciduous forests with a variety of flora including teak, tendu, bamboo, and several other native plant species.
Q3. Why are Dholes considered endangered?
Answer: Dholes face threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and reduced prey availability, leading to their classification as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Q4. Where can Dholes be found in India?
Answer: In India, Dholes predominantly inhabit the Western and Eastern Ghats, which are crucial for their conservation and survival.
Q5. What conservation measures are in place for Dholes?
Answer: Dholes are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, with initiatives aimed at habitat preservation and reducing human-wildlife conflicts to enhance their survival.
Question 1: What is the conservation status of Dholes according to the IUCN Red List?
A) Vulnerable
B) Endangered
C) Critically Endangered
D) Least Concern
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: In which state is Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary located?
A) Maharashtra
B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Gujarat
D) Rajasthan
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which of the following plants is NOT found in Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary?
A) Teak
B) Bamboo
C) Oak
D) Kusum
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What is one of the main threats to the Dhole population?
A) Overpopulation
B) Habitat loss
C) Climate change
D) Pollution
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: Which animal is known as the 'whistling dog' in India?
A) Leopard
B) Hyena
C) Dhole
D) Jackal
Correct Answer: C
Question 6: What type of forests primarily make up Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary?
A) Tropical rainforests
B) Dry deciduous forests
C) Coniferous forests
D) Mangrove forests
Correct Answer: B
Question 7: Which act protects the Dhole in India?
A) Wildlife Protection Act 1972
B) Environment Protection Act
C) Forest Conservation Act
D) National Wildlife Action Plan
Correct Answer: A
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